The Fayette Education Foundation

Thrilled today to announce $55,000 in Bright Ideas Grants for 29 projects for classrooms in Fayette County. Since inception, more than $158,000 has been awarded to 86 projects across the district. A complete list of projects: https://lnkd.in/g-jvkqeN Thanks to these investments from civic-minded companies and other organizations in Lexington, classrooms across the community will be able to provide additional experiences that excite young minds and stimulate learning beyond what some school budgets allow. In addition to a variety of individuals, funding for this year’s Bright Ideas Grants was made possible by these community partners: APS Communications, Blue Grass Community Foundation, Central Bank & Trust Co., Independence Bank, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Lexmark, SNOWY OWL FOUNDATION and WesBanco. The announcement was made Friday morning with a check presentation to Superintendent Demetrus Liggins from representatives from The Fayette Education Foundation.

Yesterday, students at Cassidy Elementary were led by Artists Bryce Oquaye and Lennon Michalski in interactive sessions to uncover the importance of how art builds community. In partnership with Independence Bank and the Cassidy Elementary School PTA, this project is part of The Fayette Education Foundation’s new initiative called LearnLocal. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eCrAf5xN

Executive Director Carrie Boling is featured in this month's TOPS Lexington Presidents Edition. Partnerships are critical to our goal of providing every child an opportunity to reach their educational potential - before, during and after their time in Fayette County Public Schools (KY). Thank you to our friends at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. for supporting this opportunity.

Happy 70th birthday to civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. At age six, she became the first Black child to attend William Frantz Elementary in New Orleans. She is the subject of a 1964 Norman Rockwell painting, “The Problem We All Live With.” For awhile, the White House was able to have the painting on loan from the Rockwell Museum and hung it outside the Oval Office. Ruby was invited by then President Obama to see the painting in the White House. -source Pete Souza -photo by Pete Souza

In partnership with Independence Bank, we officially awarded our first Bright Ideas Grant (BIG) on Thursday evening. The Eastside Fire/EMS Community Engagement Initiative focuses on inspiring students to pursue careers in the fire and emergency services by providing them with essential resources and support. Through partnerships with schools and the backing of current and retired firefighters, the initiative aims to diversify the future workforce and ensure that Eastside Fire/EMS student enrollment grows to reflect the community it serves. Bright Ideas Grants promote equity and excellence in classroom experiences that excite young minds and stimulate learning beyond what some school budgets allow. These classroom enrichment grants are awarded to teachers or public schools in Fayette County to bring innovative ideas, concepts, or practices to life, or expand past successful ideas in the classroom or school. Almost $160,000 has been invested in these BIG ideas by The Fayette Education Foundation since 2022. All grants are made possible by corporate and individual donors. You can support BIG here: https://lnkd.in/esH6VSg

Did you know mental health support is FREE for Fayette County Public Schools (KY) students and parents affected by gun violence. Through a partnership with One Lexington , register for help here: https://lnkd.in/ecPa2yf6

We are thrilled to announce our board officers and new board members for FY25. This diverse, hard-working board is helping to fulfill unmet educational needs, remove barriers to learning and make it easy for the public to support the students and educators in Fayette County Public Schools in creative ways.

Save the date for the annual State of Schools Leadership Breakfast on Friday, August 2, 2024. The event features Dr. Demetrus Liggins, Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, and will recognize Golden Apple Award recipients who commit time and resources to Fayette County Public Schools through high performance community partnerships. https://lnkd.in/eGMwmS-6 The State of Schools: Leadership Breakfast serves as a fundraiser for The Fayette Education Foundation. The Foundation is a nonprofit which serves as a link between the Fayette County Public Schools (KY) and the community to provide and promote equity, educational excellence and innovative partnerships. A special thanks to our sponsors: Commonwealth Credit Union, Blue Grass Community Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Impressions Marketing, New Vista KY, University of Kentucky and YMCA of Central Kentucky.

Did you know Trainer Kenny McPeek is a Fayette County Public Schools (KY) alum? McPeek graduated from Tates Creek High School in 1982. He made history this weekend with a rare win in both the 2024 Kentucky Oaks and the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. He won with his filly Thorpedo Anna on Friday and Mystik Dan on Derby Day. Go Creek!